National Museum of African American History and Culture

The Basics

The museum’s concourse level documents slavery in the US from the slave trade to emancipation with moving exhibits including artifacts such as Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal and a shawl gifted to her by Queen Victoria. Other floors delve into segregation and run through to the present day, telling stories of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and President Barack Obama as they relate to African American culture. The Community and Culture galleries showcase collective contributions to athletics, the military, and more. Also here, visitors can explore family histories through digital resources and get help conducting genealogical research and oral history interviews.

Museum entry requires a free timed-entry pass. Same-day and advance passes are available online, and some walk-up passes are distributed after 1pm on weekdays. Thousands flock to the museum daily, making it one of the most-visited Smithsonian institutions, and passes sell out quickly—plan ahead.

Things to Know Before You Go

• While the museum is free to enter, timed-entry passes are required.

• Head to the third-floor observatory for stellar views of the Washington Monument and the city.

• The on-site Sweet Home Café offers traditional African American cuisine from four US regions.

• Tripods, selfie sticks, food, and drink are not permitted in the museum.

• The museum is fully accessible. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and open captioning is included in all exhibition videos.

How to Get There

The museum is the latest addition to the Smithsonian’s collection on the National Mall. Due to the lack of nearby parking, the best way to arrive is by foot, bus, or Metro. The nearest Metro stops are Federal Triangle and Smithsonian on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. The museum is also a stop on many hop-on, hop-off tours of Washington D.C.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 10am to 5:30pm every day of the year except December 25.

A Thoughtful Design

Designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, the museum takes inspiration from Yoruba art of West Africa as well as architectural roots of the African diaspora of America. There are more than 85,000 square feet (7,897 square meters) of gallery space thoughtfully and beautifully displaying thousands of artifacts. Its history galleries in particular are a must-see.

Ways to explore

You'll want to prebook free timed-entry passes online; same-day passes may be available online, and walk-up passes are sometimes offered on weekdays, pending availability. On your visit, you'll learn about a wide range of topics relating to the African-American experience, from slavery in the US to emancipation and from the Civil Rights Movement to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The museum covers African-American culture and history, and the Community and Culture galleries showcase collective contributions to athletics, the military, and more. Book a guided tour to make the most of your visit.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to people using wheelchairs and offers accommodations for disabled visitors.

Age limits

None, although the topics of some exhibitions may be better suited to older children and adults.

What to pack

Bottle of water, handheld bag, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes; you’ll likely be on your feet for several hours.

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, pets, tripods and selfie sticks

Amenities

Café, museum store, restrooms, storage lockers

Address 

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located on the National Mall in Washington DC. While driving is not recommended, taxis and rideshare services, public transit, and tours with included transportation are all great ways of getting there.

Driving

Traffic in Washington DC can be very congested, and the museum does not offer parking; use taxis or rideshare services for maximum convenience.

Public transportation

Take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line of the DC Metro to the Federal Triangle station, located just a few minutes away on foot. Local buses also serve the area.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, from mid-morning until early evening. Aim to arrive early in the day—most visitors spend at least a few hours exploring.

Best days to visit

Expect weekends and school holidays to be especially busy at the NMAAHC; weekday mornings are a good alternative.

Best months to visit

Summer is the tourist high season in Washington DC, and it's when the museum is likely to be crowded. Visit in the off-season if you can.

Special events

The museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions and events, including workshops, kids’ story times, talks, and more. Research the events calendar before your visit.